Mop and method of making same

ABSTRACT

A mop having a relatively long fabric headband, and a pair of transverse members, preferably pieces of twine, disposed underneath the outer layer of headband material equally spaced on opposite sides of the transverse centerline of the headband which aid in securing the headband to a mop handle.

United States Patent Moss [54] MOP AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME [72] lnventor: Theron V. Moss, 3175 Falmouth, Shaker Heights, Ohio 44120 [22] Filed: Oct. 19, 1970 1211 Appl. No.: 81,965

1521 U.S.Cl. ..15/229 A, 300/21 [51 1 Int. Cl. ..A47l 13/24 [58] FleldofSearch ..l5/115, 147 11,147 A,147 B,

15/147 C, 148, 150, 205, 228, 229 R, 229 A, 229 AC, 229 AP, 229 B, 229 BC, 229 BP; 300/21 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,105,533 7/1914 Pollock ..l5/229 A 1 Feb. 29, 1972 1,576,777 3/1926 Moore ..l5/229 A 3,512,203 5/1970 McClellan ..l5/229 A FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 197,384 2/1920 Canada ..l5/229 A 459,954 1/1937 Great Britain ..15/229 BC Primary Examiner-Daniel Blum Attorney-Oberlin, Maky, Donnelly & Renner [5 7] ABSTRACT A mop having a relatively long fabric headband, and a pair of transverse members, preferably pieces of twine, disposed underneath the outer layer of headband material equally spaced on opposite sides of the transverse centerline of the headband which aid in securing the headband to a mop handle.

14 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures MOP AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally as indicated to a mop and methodofmaking the same which greatly facilitates clamping of the mop headband'between the jaws of an attachment device used to secure the mop to a mop handle.

A common form of wet mop has a fabric headband which holds the mop cords or yarns together in folded or bunched relationship intermediate their length. If the headband is relatively short, the mop may readily be attached to a handle by inserting the entire headband between the jaws of a suitable attachment device. However, if the headband is relatively long and stiff for increased stability, it is much more difficult to clamp using such an attachment device. The headband must first be folded'intermediate its length and inserted between the jaws before the jaws are tightened, and the more stiff the headband, the more difficult it is to fold. Moreover, as the jaws are tightened against the headband, the headband tends to be squeezed outwardly from between the jaws, and even after clamping, the headband may become disengaged from the jaws during use, especially if the mop is swung too vigorously.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is accordingly a principal object of this invention to provide a mop with a headband which is more easily and tightly clamped between the jaws of a suitable attachment device.

Another object is to provide such a mop with a headband which is relatively flat and stiff and yet does not interfere with attachment of the mop to a handle.

Still another object is to provide a mop in which the headband is stitched to prevent pullout of the mop cords and the stitching is also locked against pullout.

A further object is to provide a mop of the type described which is relatively simple in construction and easy to manufacture.

These and other objects of the present invention may be achieved by providing the headband with a pair of transverse members, preferably twine or cord, underneath the outer layer of headband material to provide spaced-apart ribs or bulges in the outer surface of the headband for engagement by the jaws of a suitable attachment device to prevent the mop from being pulled out from between the jaws during vigorous used. The transverse members are desirably spaced the same distance from the transverse center of the headband on opposite sides thereof, and are retained in place on the headband during manufacture of the mop by suitable means such as masking tape, adhesive, or stitching, after which the mop cords are placed on the headband in bunched-together relationship and the headband is folded and stitched between the transverse members and at the ends of the headband to prevent pullout of the mop cords. The headband may also be longitudinally stitched along the sides more firmly to secure the ends of the transverse members in place and lock the threads in the transverse rows against pullout. Such longitudinal rows of stitching also assist in flattening out the headband and stiffening the ends of the headband thus to enhance the stability of the headband and prevent drooping of the ends.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description and the annexed drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiment of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but several of the various ways in which the principles ofthe invention may be employed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the annexed drawings:

FIG. I is an isometric view ofa preferred form of mop made in accordance with this invention shown attached to a mop handle using a suitable attachment device;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view ofthe headband of FIG. I which is shown in its flattened condition disconnected from the handle;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged longitudinal section through the headband of FIG. 2 taken on the plane of the line 33 thereof;

FIG. 4 is a transverse section through the headband of FIG. 3 on a reduced scale, taken on the plane of the line 44;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing various steps in the method of manufacture of the mop of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged longitudinal section similar to FIG. 3 but showing a modified form of headband in accordance with this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In FIG. 1 there is illustrated a preferred form ofmop 1 constructed in accordance with this invention shown attached to a mop handle 2 using a suitable attachment device 3 which may, for example, be of the type shown and described in U.S. application Ser. No. 875,517, filed Nov. 10, 1969, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,605,161, issued Sept. 20, 1971, and such application is incorporated herein by way of reference. The mop cords 4 are secured together in bunched relationship intermediate their ends by a band 5 of textile fabric or other suitable material wrapped around the bunched cords and secured to the cords by stitching through the headband and cords in a manner to be more fully explained hereafter. Preferably, the headband 5 is relatively long, thus necessitating folding of the headband intermediate its length to permit insertion between the jaws 6 of the attachment device 3 when spread apart. Afterwards the jaws 6 are drawn into clamping engagement with the headband by tightening the collar 7 which has threaded engagement with one of the clamping jaws 6 as described in more detail in the aforementioned US. application Ser. No. 875,517.

To ensure a tight grip of the clamping jaws 6 on the headband 5 and eliminate any possibility of the headband 5 from becoming disengaged from the clamping jaws 6 during vigorous use of the mop l, a pair of transverse members 8 are disposed underneath the outer layer of headband 5 material. The transverse members 8 are desirably equally spaced on opposite sides of the transverse centerline 9 of the headband 5 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and provide ribs or bulges III in the outer surface of the headband which prevent dislodging ol' the headband from between the teeth II of the clamping jaws 6 during clamping of the headband therebetween and subsequent use. Preferably, such transverse members 8 are a suitable cord or twine which may be approximately A inch in diameter and spaced approximately inch apart, such members 8 desirably extending across substantially the full width of the headband. However, it will be apparent that other materials may be used for the transverse members 8 to provide the desired ribs or bulges 10, and the size and spacing of the transverse members 8 may also be varied depending upon the size and shape of the attachment device used to secure the mop l to the mop handle 2.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the manner in which the mop 1 of the subject invention is desirably manufactured. In FIG. 5 the headband 5 material is shown fully spread out prior to laying the mop cords 4 thereon and wrapping the headband material around the mop cords. The inner surface of the headband material is exposed to permit proper placement of the two transverse members 8 on the headband material. As shown, the transverse members 8 are positioned with one end closely adjacent one side I2 of the headband material and extend transversely of the headband material equally spaced from the transverse centerline 9 of the headband material, approximately 94 inch apart. The length of the transverse members 8 desirably approximates the final desired width W of the headband 5, which in this instance is approximately one-third of the full width D of the headband material prior to wrapping around the mop cords. To secure the transverse members 8 in place, strips 15 of masking tape are desirably placed over the transverse members, but of course other suitable means may also be used, such as an adhesive, or the transverse members 8 may be directly stitched to the headband material.

In any event, after the transverse members 8 are properly located on the headband material and secured in place, the mop cords 4 are laid on top of the headband material and bunched together adjacent the center one-third portion 25 of the headband material as shown in FIG. 5. Then the side 16 of the headband 5 material without the transverse members 8 secured thereto is folded over the bunched cords 4, followed by folding of the other side 12 with the transverse members 8 secured thereto over the top of the first folded side 16 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 to provide the final desired headband 5 having a width W approximately equal to one-third of the entire width D of the headband material prior to folding as aforesaid. Afterwards, the mop cords 4 are secured against pullout from the headband 5 by stitching the cords to the headband material using a suitable lock or chain stitch passing entirely through the bundle of cords and headband material. Preferably, two transverse rows 17 of stitching are provided at the ends of the headband 5 which extend across the entire width of the headband, and two additional transverse rows 18 of stitching are provided between the two transverse members 8 as clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In addition, the headband 5 is also desirably stitched along both sides of the headband using two rows 19 of stitching adjacent each side which extend across the transverse rows 17 and 18 of stitching and also across the transverse members 8 to secure the transverse members 8 in place and lock the threads in the transverse rows l7 and 18 from being pulled out at the sides. Such longitudinal rows 19 of stitching also aid in flattening the headband 5 out and stiffening the ends of the headband thus giving greater stability to the headband during use and preventing the ends of the headband from drooping. Upon completion of the stitching operation, the mop 1 is ready for attachment to the handle 2 by folding the headband 5 intermediate its length L and inserting the same between the spread-apart jaws 6 of the attachment device 3, the transverse members 8 providing ridges or bulges in the outer surface of the headband which prevent inadvertent pullout of the headband from between the clamping jaws when tightened as aforesaid. A tailband 20 may be secured to each end 21 of the mop adjacent the ends of the loops 22 as shown in FIG. 1 for maintaining the loops in controlled pattern as disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,324,497, or the loops may be left free, as desired, and the loops may also be cut.

In FIG. 6 there is shown a modified from of headband 5' in accordance with the invention which is substantially the same as the headband previously described except that a pair of transverse members 8 are disposed underneath the outer layer of headband 5 material on both sides 23' and 24' of the headband instead of on just one of the sides 23 and 24 to permit folding of the completed headband in either direction prior to attachment of the headband to the attachment device 3. The transverse members 8 between the sides 12' and 16' are secured in place using strips of masking tape prior to folding as previously described, and the transverse members 8' underneath the center one-third portion 25 are also secured in place using strips ISof masking tape prior to folding of the headband material and also prior to placement of the mop cords 4' on the headband material. Otherwise, the details of construction and operation of the headband 5 of FIG. 6 are substantially the same as the headband 5 previously described and the same reference numerals followed by a prime symbol are used to designate like parts.

From the foregoing, it will now be seen that the mop of the present invention is of a unique construction because of the headband which has bulges or ribs on the outer surface thereof which greatly facilitate attachment of the mop to a handle using a suitable attachment device. The headband is also relatively stiff to give increased stability to the headband and prevent drooping at the ends of the headband during use, and there are no unfinished edges to contend with. The mop cords are also securely stitched to the headband, and the stitching is locked against pullout.

I, therefore, particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention:

l. A mop comprising a plurality of mop cords; said mop cords being bunched together in one region, headband material surrounding said mop cords in the bunched region for holding said mop cords in bunched relationship, and a pair of spaced-apart transverse members beneath said headband material on one side of said headband, said transverse embers extending across the width of said headband and providing spaced-apart bulges on said one side of said headband which facilitate clamping of the headband between the jaws of an attachment device when folded intermediate said transverse members with said transverse members on the outside of the fold and inserted between such jaws.

2. The mop of claim 1 wherein said transverse members comprise pieces of twine placed beneath the outer layer of headband material.

3. The mop of claim 1 wherein said transverse members extend across substantially the full width of said headband.

4. The mop of clam 1 further comprising strips of masking tape placed over said transverse members for securing said transverse members in place.

5. The mop of claim 1 wherein said transverse members are equally spaced on opposite sides of the transverse center line of said headband.

6. The mop of claim 1 wherein a pair of said transverse members are placed beneath said headband material on both sides of said headband providing spaced-apart bulges on both sides permitting said headband to be folded in either direction intermediate said transverse members.

7. The mop of claim 1 wherein a plurality oftransverse rows of stitching extend entirely through said headband and bunched mop cords across the entire width of said headband for securing said mop cords to said headband, and there are a plurality of longitudinal rows of stitching extending through said headband adjacent opposite sides of the headband and intersection the transverse rows adjacent their ends to prevent pullout of the transverse rows and stiffen the ends of said headband.

8. The mop of claim 7 wherein said transverse rows of stitching are adjacent the ends of said headband and between sad transverse members, said transverse members comprising pieces of twine placed beneath the outer layer of headband material, said pieces of twine extending across substantially the full width of said headband, and said longitudinal rows of stitching passing through the ends of said pieces of twine to secure said pieces of twine in place.

9. A method of manufacturing a mop comprising the steps of attaching a pair of transverse members to the inner surface of a piece of headband material which has been laid flat, such transverse members being positioned with one end closely adjacent one side of the headband material and extending transversely of the headband material in spaced-apart relation, securing the transverse members in place, laying a plurality of mop cords on top of the headband material and bunching such mop cords together adjacent the center one-third of the headband material, folding first one side of the headband material without the transverse members secured thereto over the bunched mop cords and then the other side with the trans verse members secured thereto over the top of the first folded side, and securing the headband to the mop cords, such transverse members providing spaced-apart bulges in the outer surface of such headband which facilitate clamping of the headband between the jaws of an attachment device when folded intermediate such transverse members and inserted between such jaws.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein such transverse members comprise pieces of twine placed beneath the outer layer of headband material, such transverse members extending across substantially the full width of such headband after folding of the sides of such headband material as aforesaid.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein such transverse members are secured in place by placing masking tape over such transverse members.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein such headband is secured to the mop cords by stitching a plurality of transverse such transverse members.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein such transverse members comprise pieces of twine placed beneath the outer layer of headband material and extending across substantially the full width of the headband when the sides are folded as aforesaid, such longitudinal rows of stitching passing through the ends of such transverse members to secure such transverse members in place. 

1. A mop comprising a plurality of mop cords, said mop cords being bunched together in one region, headband material surrounding said mop cords in the bunched region for holding said mop cords in bunched relationship, and a pair of spaced-apart transverse members beneath said headband material on one side of said headband, said transverse embers extending across the width of said headband and providing spaced-apart bulges on said one side of said headband which facilitate clamping of the headband between the jaws of an attachment device when folded intermediate said transverse members with said transverse members on the outside of the fold and inserted between such jaws.
 2. The mop of claim 1 wherein said transverse members comprise pieces of twine placed beneath the outer layer of headband material.
 3. The mop of claim 1 wherein said transverse members extend across substantially the full width of said headband.
 4. The mop of clam 1 further comprising strips of masking tape placed over said transverse members for securing said transverse members in place.
 5. The mop of claim 1 wherein said transverse members are equally spaced on opposite sides of the transverse center line of said headband.
 6. The mop of claim 1 wherein a pair of said transverse members are placed beneath said headband material on both sides of said headband providing spaced-apart bulges on both sides permitting said headband to be folded in either direction intermediate said transverse members.
 7. The mop of claim 1 wherein a plurality of transverse rows of stitching extend entirely through said headband and bunched mop cords across the entire width of said headband for securing said mop cords to said headband, and there are a plurality of longitudinal rows of stitching extending through said headband adjacent opposite sides of the headband and intersection the transverse rows adjacent their ends to prevent pullout of the transverse rows and stiffen the ends of said headband.
 8. The mop of claim 7 wherein said transverse rows of stitching are adjacent the ends of said headband and between sad transverse members, said transverse members comprising pieces of twine placed beneath the outer layer of headband material, said pieces of twine extending across substantially the full width of said headband, and said longitudinal rows of stitching passing through the ends of said pieces of twine to secure said pieces of twine in place.
 9. A method of manufacturing a mop comprising the steps of attaching a pair of transverse members to the inner surface of a piece of headband material which has been laId flat, such transverse members being positioned with one end closely adjacent one side of the headband material and extending transversely of the headband material in spaced-apart relation, securing the transverse members in place, laying a plurality of mop cords on top of the headband material and bunching such mop cords together adjacent the center one-third of the headband material, folding first one side of the headband material without the transverse members secured thereto over the bunched mop cords and then the other side with the transverse members secured thereto over the top of the first folded side, and securing the headband to the mop cords, such transverse members providing spaced-apart bulges in the outer surface of such headband which facilitate clamping of the headband between the jaws of an attachment device when folded intermediate such transverse members and inserted between such jaws.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein such transverse members comprise pieces of twine placed beneath the outer layer of headband material, such transverse members extending across substantially the full width of such headband after folding of the sides of such headband material as aforesaid.
 11. The method of claim 9 wherein such transverse members are secured in place by placing masking tape over such transverse members.
 12. The method of claim 9 wherein such headband is secured to the mop cords by stitching a plurality of transverse rows extending entirely through the headband and bunched mop cords across the entire width of the headband, and by stitching a plurality of longitudinal rows extending through the headband adjacent opposite sides of the headband and intersecting the transverse rows adjacent their ends to prevent pullout of the transverse rows and stiffen the ends of the headband.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein such transverse rows of stitching are adjacent the ends of such headband and between such transverse members.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein such transverse members comprise pieces of twine placed beneath the outer layer of headband material and extending across substantially the full width of the headband when the sides are folded as aforesaid, such longitudinal rows of stitching passing through the ends of such transverse members to secure such transverse members in place. 